Top Mistakes to Avoid When Buying RTA Cabinets Online in 2025

The RTA (Ready to Assemble) cabinet market continues to grow in 2025, driven by budget-conscious homeowners and DIY remodelers looking for quality, style, and speed. Buying kitchen cabinets online is no longer a novelty—it’s the new standard. But with so many options, it’s easy to make costly mistakes if you’re not careful.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned renovator, purchasing RTA cabinets online involves more than choosing a door style and clicking "Add to Cart." Overlooking key steps in measurements, materials, finishes, and layout planning can turn your dream kitchen into a headache. To help you avoid common pitfalls, we’ve compiled this comprehensive kitchen cabinet shopping guide based on real-world scenarios and 2025 buying behavior.

Mistake 1: Not Measuring Accurately (or At All)

By far, the most frequent and costly error is poor measurement. RTA cabinets are pre-manufactured, which means they don’t come with room for error like custom cabinets do. A ½-inch miscalculation can throw off an entire layout, especially when fitting around appliances or in tight spaces.

In 2025, most cabinet brands—including AllCabinets.com—provide free measurement guides or downloadable planners. Take advantage of these resources. Better yet, request a free 3D kitchen design if available. Be precise, double-check every wall and opening, and don’t guess. Remember: cabinet sizes typically increase in 3-inch increments, so there’s little flexibility once the order is placed.

Mistake 2: Overlooking the Construction Materials

All cabinets are not created equal. One of the most misleading aspects of online RTA cabinet shopping is that visuals alone can’t tell you about durability. Always check the product specs to see what the cabinet box, drawer box, and face frame are made of.

For example, solid wood doors and plywood boxes are the gold standard for long-lasting cabinets, while MDF or particle board may be prone to warping or chipping in humid environments. At AllCabinets.com, our RTA cabinets prioritize solid wood doors and CARB2-certified plywood for both strength and safety. Don’t let a pretty picture lead you into buying something that won’t last five years.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Assembly Instructions and Hardware Quality

RTA cabinets require assembly—this is the tradeoff for affordability and fast shipping. But not all RTA cabinet kits are created equal. Some brands offer clear instructions and labeled parts, while others leave you guessing with generic guides and missing hardware.

Look for online reviews or product listings that mention ease of assembly and hardware type. Brands like ours offer soft-close hinges, full-extension glides, and dovetail drawer construction, even in ready-to-assemble formats. These features not only make for a better user experience but also reduce long-term wear and tear.

If you don’t plan on assembling them yourself, factor in the labor cost or find a handyman familiar with RTA installation.

Mistake 4: Choosing Style Over Function

It's easy to fall in love with a cabinet style—especially a glossy white shaker or trending navy finish—but it’s important to think practically. Does your preferred style support your cooking habits and storage needs?

For example, slab doors may look ultra-modern but show fingerprints more easily. Glass-front uppers add visual space but don’t hide clutter. Before purchasing, ask yourself:

• Do I need more drawers or base cabinets?
• Will my countertops fit seamlessly with the layout?
• Is this style kid- or pet-friendly?

Matching lifestyle with layout ensures your investment performs as beautifully as it looks.

Mistake 5: Not Accounting for Shipping, Lead Time, or Damage

In the world of online cabinetry, shipping times and packaging integrity matter just as much as style and material. Some buyers mistakenly assume fast delivery means fast installation only to discover a 6-week lead time or parts damaged in transit.

In 2025, cabinet delays are still common due to fluctuating supply chains. When buying RTA cabinets online, always verify:

• Estimated delivery windows
• Packaging quality (Are the boxes reinforced? Corner-protected?)
• Return/replacement policy for damaged parts

At AllCabinets.com, we ship flat-packed RTA cabinets with robust protection and fast processing, ensuring your order arrives on time and in excellent condition. Still, it’s wise to order early and inspect all parts before your installation window.

Mistake 6: Ignoring Support or Skipping the Design Phase

Buying RTA cabinets online doesn’t mean you’re on your own. In fact, the best cabinet websites provide professional design assistance, live chat support, and educational resources to guide buyers through the process.

Yet many shoppers skip this and jump straight into selecting items. As a result, they miss layout efficiencies, forget fillers or toe kicks, or end up with mismatched parts. Working with a design pro can:

• Identify overlooked accessories
• Confirm proper filler spacing
• Suggest functional upgrades (like a drawer base vs. door base)

We, at All Cabinets, offer free kitchen expert layout with design help to ensure your order is build-ready and tailored to your space. Don’t underestimate the value of human support in a digital transaction.

Mistake 7: Not Matching Finishes Across the Room

Many homeowners order cabinets without thinking about how finishes will coordinate with countertops, floors, and backsplash. Buying online limits your ability to see tones in person, so make sure you request a sample or compare finishes under your actual room lighting.

Warm-toned cabinets (like walnut or toffee) may clash with gray tile flooring. Bright white cabinets can appear too cool next to beige countertops. Avoid regret by reviewing finishes in natural and artificial light before making your final decision.

Pro Tip: At AllCabinets.com, you can request refundable samples to match finishes before ordering.

Mistake 8: Forgetting About Storage Features

Drawer depth. Pull-out trays. Trash base cabinets. Lazy Susans. These are the features that make a kitchen efficient—not just pretty.

One common buying mistake is underestimating storage needs or forgetting practical accessories. RTA cabinets don’t mean bare bones—many lines include premium features like full-extension drawers and blind corner organizers that rival custom installs.

Plan for function first, and style second. A beautiful kitchen that doesn’t store well will feel frustrating quickly.

How AllCabinets.com Makes Buying RTA Cabinets Online Easier in 2025

We are committed to eliminating the guesswork from your kitchen cabinet purchase. We provide premium RTA cabinets in today’s most stylish finishes—White Shaker, Navy Blue, Espresso, Sage Green, and more—all shipped quickly and securely across the U.S.

Here’s why smart buyers trust us:

• Solid wood and plywood construction on all cabinets
• Soft-close hardware included standard
• Free 3D kitchen design and quote
• Fast shipping + exceptional packaging
• Refundable finish samples to help you plan with confidence

Whether you’re remodeling your forever home or flipping a property, AllCabinets.com is your go-to destination for affordable, high-quality RTA cabinets—backed by expert support and USA-based service.